Grain mineral contents in southeastern Australia

Grain nutrient concentrations for macronutrients and micronutrients were analyzed from more than 70 NVT (National Variety Trials) sites across southeastern Australia. All nutrients tested showed significant differences among regions. Values for the macronutrient P were the most variable (3,329 ± 661 mg/kg) and was more than the commonly used value of 2,900 mg/kg. The variation in grain P content could not be related to soil P test, fertilizer application or grain yield although values varied among regions and states. Sulphur and K levels also showed significant differences among regions, while grain zinc (Zn) levels seemed lowest in regions characterized by alkaline soils.

These data suggest that regional or even paddock-based nutrient concentrations may be required when constructing nutrient balances. It may also be useful to use grain micronutrient content as a monitoring tool to indicate the need for fertilizer additions. These results will be published at the Australian Society of Agronomy annual meeting in October 2012. ANZ-01